Gaming machine comprising display performing dice game using roulette and playing method thereof

ABSTRACT

The gaming machine  1  is a gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6 and is programmed to store a bet area bet on, which area corresponds to any one of the identification numbers 1 to 6, and a credit placed as a bet on the bet area; to roll the ball on three wheels each of which has a plurality of numbered pockets  23  to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6; when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets  23,  to display pip images of dices corresponding to three win numbers detected by a win determining device  86  on an image display device; and when the three win numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the terminal device  4,  to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet areas and the credits placed as a bet.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/020,795, filed on Jan. 14, 2008, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a gaming machine and a playing method thereof.

2. Description of Related Art

Conventionally, there are many types of games using a dice, which have much popularity together with a card game, a roulette game and a slot game. For example, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0018406 discloses a gaming machine that executes a Sic Bo game in which three dices are used to foresee the number of pips or a combination of the dices.

However, when it is intended to develop the gaming machine as a gaming machine like a slot machine, the hexahedral dice requires a complicated device with respect to operations of shaking the dice, interpreting the pip of the dice, withdrawing the dice and the like, so that it takes much cost for the development. In addition, if a video game is made so as to execute a game using a dice, a reality is lost, so that it is apt to be monotonous.

In the mean time, a roulette game is a game to foresee where a ball, which is thrown on a wheel being rotated, will fall. It is a famous game that can be said as a representative game in a casino and the like. The rules thereof are simple, so that there are many fans. For example, U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005/0032570 and 2006/0094493 disclose roulette gaming devices in which a betting board arranged in a grid type is used to foresee a number to be bet and to bet a chip.

An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine capable of using a wheel, which is used in a roulette game, in a dice game to reduce the costs of development and to increase a player's game motivation while providing a realistic of the roulette game, and a playing method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine including: a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; at least one ball that rolls on the wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number allotted to one of the numbered pockets having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller programmed to operate as described in the steps of (a1) to (a4). Specifically, the controller operates: (a1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (a2) to roll the ball on the wheel; (a3) when the ball is received in anyone of the plurality of numbered pockets, to display on the display a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win number detection device; and (a4) when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area.

According to the above structure, when a ball is received in any one of numbered pockets having identification numbers of 1 to 6 allotted thereto on a wheel, it is possible to display a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by a win number detection device on a display. In addition, when any one win number of 1 to 6 detected by the win number detection device conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, it is possible to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area. Thereby, a player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game using a dice with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

Furthermore, the invention provides a gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine including: a plurality of wheels each of which has a plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; a ball that rolls on the wheels and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number allotted to one of the numbered pockets having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller programmed to operate as described in the steps of (b1) to (b4). Specifically, the controller operates: (b1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (b2) to roll the ball on the wheels; (b3) when the ball is received in any one of the numbered pockets in all of the wheels, to display a plurality of pip images of dices corresponding to win numbers detected by the win number detection device on the display; and (b4) when the win numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet areas and the game value placed as a bet.

According to the above structure, since many wheels are provided, the gaming machine of the invention can be applied to a game using many dices. Thereby, a player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game using dices with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

In addition, the invention provides the gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein a game to be executed may be a Sic Bo that uses the three wheels and has a bet area relating to a combination of the identification numbers allotted to the numbered pockets having the three balls received therein.

According to the above structure, it is possible to execute a Sic Bo using three wheels. In addition, when a Sic BO game is executed, the three wheels are rotated at the same time to roll the ball on each wheel. Thereby, a player may play a conventional Sic Bo game with a sense same as a roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

Furthermore, the invention provides a gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine including: a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets each of which has a display device that displays the identification numbers; at least one ball that rolls on the wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number displayed on the display device provided to the numbered pocket having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller programmed to operate as described in the steps of (c1) to (c5). Specifically, the controller operates: (c1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (c2) to randomly determine and display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display device; (c3) to roll the ball on the wheel; (c4) when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets, to display on the display a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win number detection device; and (c5) when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area.

According to the above structure, it is possible to randomly display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on the respective display devices. Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is possible to provide a player with a pleasure that the player does not know which identification number will be displayed on each display device.

Furthermore, the invention provides a gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine including: a plurality of wheels each of which has a plurality of numbered pockets each of which has a display device that displays the identification numbers; a ball that rolls on each wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number displayed on the display device provided to the numbered pocket having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller programmed to operate as described in the steps of (d1) to (d5). Specifically, the controller operates: (d1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (d2) to randomly determine and display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display device; (d3) to roll the ball on the wheels; (d4) when the ball is received in any one of the numbered pockets in all of the wheels, to display a plurality of pip images of dices corresponding to win numbers detected by the win number detection device on the display; and (d5) when the win numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet areas and the game value placed as a bet.

According to the above structure, since many wheels are provided, the gaming machine of the invention can be applied to a game using many dices. In addition, it is possible to randomly display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display device. Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is possible to provide a player with a pleasure that the player does not know which identification number will be displayed on each display device. In addition, a player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game using dices with a sense same as the roulette game. Further, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

In addition, the invention provides the gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein a game to be executed may be a Sic Bo that uses the three wheels and has a bet area relating to a combination of the identification numbers allotted to the numbered pockets having the three balls received therein.

According to the above structure, it is possible to execute a Sic Bo using three wheels. In addition, when a Sic BO game is executed, the three wheels are rotated at the same time to roll the ball on each wheel. Thereby, a player may play a conventional Sic Bo game with a sense same as a roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

Furthermore, the invention provides a playing method of a game in which identification numbers of 1 to 6 are used to repeatedly perform a game, the playing method including the steps of: storing a bet area bet on bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers and a game value placed as a bet on the bet area; rolling a ball on a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets, displaying a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by a win number detection device on a display; and when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in a terminal device, awarding a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area.

According to the above structure, when a ball is received in any one of numbered pockets having identification numbers of 1 to 6 allotted thereto on a wheel, it is possible to display a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by a win number detection device on a display. In addition, when any one win number of 1 to 6 detected by the win number detection device conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, it is possible to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area. Thereby, a player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game using a dice with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a playing method of a gaming machine;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a gaming machine;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an external appearance of a gaming machine;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a roulette unit;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a roulette unit;

FIG. 6 illustrates a BET screen;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a gaming machine;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing a control system of a station;

FIG. 9 shows a payout odds table;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a game execution process program;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a display number determining process program;

FIG. 12 shows a display number lottery table; and

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a game execution process program that is performed in a station.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a gaming machine and a playing method according to an embodiment of the invention will be described.

As shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine executes a playing method including the steps of: storing a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in a terminal device; rolling a ball on a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets to which identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted (displayed); when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets, displaying a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by a win number detection device on a display; and when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, awarding a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area.

A gaming machine 99 executing the above playing method includes a terminal device 101, a wheel unit 100 that executes a main game, and a controller 102, as shown in FIG. 2. The terminal device 101 is structured to arrange a bet receiving unit 103 that receives a game value, a display 117 having a bet area unit 104 that is a bet target and a payout award unit 105 that awards a payout. Meantime, the display 117 has a touch panel with which a bet operation is made.

(Structure of the Controller 102)

The controller 102 has a memory 107 that stores information of a bet area and a game value, which a player makes a bet from the terminal device 101, and an odds memory 115 that stores a payout rate corresponding to a bet-type.

In addition, the controller 102 has a ball rolling start unit 108 that rolls a ball on the wheel unit 100 and a win number determining unit 110 as a win number detection device that determines a number regarded as a win number of the wheel unit 100. Further, it has a bet win determining unit 111 that determines whether the win number conforms to a bet area stored in the memory 107 and a payout calculating unit 114 that calculates a payout to be cashed out to a player.

The controller 102 may be embodied in hardware or software, as required.

(Operations of the Controller 102)

With the above structure, an operation of the controller 102 will be described. In each terminal device 101, the bet receiving unit 103 receives a game value. When a player bets the game value on a bet area unit 104 selected, the memory 107 stores therein the bet area bet on by the player and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area. Before and after a predetermined bet receiving time is over, a ball is rolled on the wheel unit 100 in response to a signal from the ball rolling start unit 108. After that, the win number determining unit 110 specifies a number on which the rolling ball is stopped in the wheel unit 100. Then, the bet win determining unit 111 determines whether the number determined by the win number determining unit 110 conforms to the bet area stored in the memory 107. When they conform to each other, the payout calculating unit 114 calculates a payout corresponding to the bet area bet on, based on the payout odds corresponding to a bet type stored in the odds memory 115. Then, a game value corresponding to the payout calculated in the payout calculating unit 114 is awarded from the payout award unit 105.

(Display State of the Display 117)

In the followings, a state to be displayed on the display 117 in the gaming machine 99 will be described with reference to FIG. 1.

A player makes a bet, based on the bet area unit 104 displayed on the display 117 of the terminal device 101. After a bet time is over, a ball is introduced from the wheel unit 100 by the ball rolling start unit 108. The bet win determining unit 111 displays on the display 117 a display or letter (a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win number determining unit 110) for notifying that a bet area conforming to the number determined in the win number determining unit 110 wins. After that, when there is a cashout, the display 117 displays a game value that is increased as the cashout-number. Thus, a game is over and the bet area unit 104 is displayed on the display 117 so as to receive a bet of a next game.

(Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure)

In the followings, it will be specifically described a case where the gaming machine 99 is applied to a gaming machine 1. FIG. 3 is an external perspective view showing a schematic structure of a gaming machine 1 according to an embodiment. The gaming machine 1 has a cabinet 2, three roulette units 3, stations 4 and an electric light indicator 5. The cabinet 2 fixes the three roulette units 2, the stations 4 and the electric light indicator 5 at predetermined positions and protects a device equipped therein such as electronic substrate. Meantime, a game to be executed in this embodiment is a Sic Bo game that uses three balls and has BET areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 as a bet area relating to a combination of the three balls.

According to the above structure, it is possible to execute a Sic Bo game using three wheels. In addition, when a Sic BO game is executed, the three wheels are rotated at the same time to roll the ball on each wheel. Thereby, a player may play a conventional Sic Bo game with a sense same as a roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

In the mean time, the game to be executed is described as a Sic Bo in this embodiment. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, a game using a dice, such as CRAPS may be possible.

The roulette unit 3 is equivalent to the wheel unit 100 of FIG. 2 and is disposed about at a central part of the cabinet 2. The stations 4 are equivalent to the terminal devices 101 of FIG. 2 and are disposed around the roulette unit 3. To be more specific, the 12 stations 4 are disposed to surround the roulette unit 3. The station 4 serves as a bet receiving unit 103 for receiving a bet operation of a player and a payout award unit 105 for awarding a credit. In addition, the station 4 has an image display device 8 as the display 117 that displays a BET screen 50 or effect image. In the mean time, the bet operation is an operation that a player expecting a win number of the roulette unit 3 inputs the contents such as number corresponding to the expected win number.

The electric light indicator 5 has an information indicator 15. The information indicator 15 is mounted on a top of the electric light indicator 5. Thereby, the information indicator 15 allows all players who play a game in the stations 4 to see the contents of display.

In addition, the gaming machine 1 has a server 13. The server 13 is equivalent to the controller 102 of FIG. 2. The server 13 is disposed at a corner part 12 of the cabinet 2. The server 13 is received in an inner space of the corner part 12. The inner space of the corner part 12 can be opened/shut by means of a corner door 14 having an authentication key attached. The corner door 14 is typically shut so that a player cannot operate the server 13. In the mean time, in the operation of the server 13, the corner door 14 is opened by operating an authentication key. Thereby, the server 13 is operated from an outside of the cabinet 2, so that the gaming machine 1 can be variously set.

(Mechanical Structure: Roulette Unit 3)

In the followings, a structure of the roulette unit 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a roulette unit 3 according to this embodiment. In addition, FIG. 5 is a plan view of a roulette unit 3 according to this embodiment. The roulette unit 3 has a frame 21 fixed to a cabinet 2 and a wheel 22 disposed in the frame 21. As shown in FIG. 4, an entire upper part of the roulette unit 3 is covered by means of a hemisphere cover member 28 made of transparent acryl. Meanwhile, in this embodiment, it is assumed that the gaming machine 1 has the three roulette units 3 and the structures thereof are same.

The cover member 28 is arch-shaped, seen from the side, as shown in FIG. 4. The cover member 28 is dome-shaped so that a height of the cover member 28 is highest at a center part of the cover member 28. The cover member 28 and the frame 21 are bonded to each other without a step. In addition, the cover member 28 and the frame 21, which are bonded to each other without a step, are bent and integrally formed at the insides thereof

Even though a ball is escaped from the frame 21 by rotation of the wheel 22, the ball rolls along the bent parts of the insides of the cover member 28 and the frame 21, so that it can be smoothly returned into the frame 21.

As shown in FIG. 4, the wheel 22 is received in the frame 21 and its upper surface is exposed to an outside. The wheel 22 is horizontally disposed so that a center axis of rotation thereof is identical to a vertical direction, and is supported to freely rotate so that a center point thereof is a rotation center. In addition, a rotation device (not shown) as the ball rolling start unit 108 that rotates a rotation shaft is provided at an inside below the wheel. The wheel 22 has a plurality of numbered pockets 23 (38 pockets in this embodiment). The numbered pockets 23 are disposed in a ring shape at a periphery of an upper surface of the wheel 22. Each of the numbered pockets 23 is shaped in a recess shape having a size and a depth capable of receiving a ball 27.

According to the above structure, a sum of the numbered pockets is 38. Thereby, a conventional roulette gaming device having 38 pockets can be used so as to develop the gaming machine 1, so that the development period and costs can be reduced.

In addition, by rotating the rotation shaft provided to the wheel 22 using the rotation device, it is possible to enable the ball 27, which is received in the numbered pocket 23, to roll on the wheel 22. Thereby, when manufacturing the gaming machine 1 of the invention, it is not necessary to provide an insertion device that introduces a ball 27, so that the costs can be reduced.

Furthermore, the wheel 22 has numbered display plates 25 as a display device corresponding to each numbered pocket 23. The numbered display plates 25 are set to have the number same as that of the numbered pockets 23. The numbered display plates 25 are structured to display each number of “1” to “6” with a design showing pips of a dice. The respective numbered display plates 25 are arranged on the peripheries of the respective numbered pockets 23, respectively. Thereby, the numbered pockets 23 can display a design showing the pips of a dice, which show any one of “1” to “6” of the numbered display plates 25.

According to the above structure, it is possible to randomly display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on the respective numbered display plates 25. Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is possible to provide a player with a pleasure that the player does not know which identification number will be displayed on the numbered display plates 25

The frame 21 having the wheel 22 disposed at the center thereof is curved and inclined downward at a small angle toward a direction of the wheel 22 from the periphery thereof. In addition, the frame 21 bonded to the cover member 28 without a step guides the introduced ball 27 against the centrifugal force, thereby rolling the ball 27.

Furthermore, each of the three roulette units 3 has a win determining device 86 of FIG. 7. The respective win determining devices 86 are disposed below the wheels 22. The win determining device 86 as the win number determining unit 110 is a device for determining a number of a design displayed on the numbered display plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27 received therein. In the mean time, since the win determining device 86 has been already known, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The three roulette units 3 structured as described above rotate the rotation shaft provided to the wheel 22 in a high speed by the rotation device, introducing the ball 27 received in the numbered pocket 23 to the inside of the frame 21 and the cover member 28 from the numbered pocket 23. Thereby, the inner surfaces of the frame 21 and the cover member 28 guide the ball 27 against the centrifugal force, thereby rolling the ball 27. When the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the ball 27 is lowered, the ball 27 is rolled down along the inclined surface of the frame 21, is moved to the inside and reaches the wheel 22 being rotated. The ball 27, which is rolling-introduced onto the wheel 22, passes over the numbered plates 25 at the periphery of the wheel 22 and then is received in any one of the numbered pockets 23. As a result, the number indicated on the numbered plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27 received therein is determined by the win determining device 86, so that a win number is determined.

(Mechanical Structure: Server 13)

The server 13 shown in FIGS. 3 and 7 is equipped in a space 31 opened at a wall surface of the cabinet 2. The sever 13 is associated with each station 4. The server 13 transmits a command signal to each of the stations 4 to initiatively control each station 4, thereby progressing a game. In addition, the server 13 performs a maintenance operation for the gaming device 1, in addition to the control of a game of the gaming device 1.

A liquid crystal display 32 and a keyboard 33 are associated with the server 13. The liquid crystal display 32 displays a menu screen (not shown) or maintenance screen (not shown). In addition, the keyboard 33 is an operating means having several keys disposed thereon. In a state that a menu screen or maintenance screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display 32, when an operator operates the keyboard 33, the maintenance operation as well as various settings in the roulette gaming device 1 can be made.

(Mechanical Structure: Station 4)

As shown in FIG. 3, the station 4 has a medal insertion slot 6, a control unit 7 and an image display device 8. The medal insertion slot 6 is used to insert money or a game medium used in a game such as chip, medal and the like. The control unit 7 has several operating parts such as control button and the like. The operating parts are used to input an instruction by a player. The image display device 8 as the display 117 shown in FIG. 2 displays a moving image relating to a game and a BET screen 50 that receives a bet operation of a player. Thereby, the image display device 8 enables a player to operate the touch panel 56 or control unit 7 while seeing an image or BET screen 50.

The control unit 7 is disposed at a side of the image display device 8. The control unit 7 has buttons each of which being operated by a player. To be more specific, the control unit 7 has a participation button 68 that is used to take part in a game, an end button 69 that ends a game, and a release button 70 that releases all the bets. The participation button 68, the end button 69 and the release button 70 are disposed in an order from left, seen from a position opposite to the station 4.

The image display device 8 is a liquid crystal display of a touch panel type having the touch panel 50 attached to a front thereof. When an icon displayed on the liquid crystal is pushed with a finger and the like, the icon is selected.

In addition, the respective stations 4 have medal payout slots 9, speakers 10 and WIN lamps 11. The medal payout slots 9 are disposed at the sides of the cabinet 2. The speakers 10 are disposed above a top-right of the image display device 8. The WIN lamps 11 are disposed at sides of the speakers 10. The speakers 10 are used to output a music or effect music relating to a game. The WIN lamps 11 are turned on when a BET area bet on in the station 4 wins.

In the mean time, the WIN lamps 11 are disposed at positions that can be seen from all the stations 4 (12 stations in this embodiment). Thereby, the WIN lamps 11 enable another player to easily check a lighting state during the game in the same roulette gaming machine 1.

A medal sensor (not shown) is provided in the medal insertion slot 6. The medal sensor validates a medal inserted into the medal insertion slot 6 and counts the inserted medal. In addition, the medal payout slot 9 is connected to a hopper (not shown). The hopper pays out the predetermined number of medals from the medal payout slot 9.

(Electrical Structure: Server 13)

FIG. 7 is a block diagram that schematically shows a control system of the gaming machine 1. As shown in FIG. 7, the gaming machine 1 includes a server 13 and several stations 4 (12 stations in this embodiment) associated with the server 13. The server 13 is associated with the three roulette units 3 and the electric light indicator 5. In the mean time, a control system of the station 4 will be specifically described later.

In addition, the server 13 includes a server control CPU 81 serving as a calculation and control device performing an entire control, a ROM 82 and a RAM 83, a timer 84 associated with the server control CPU 81, a liquid crystal display 32 associated with the CPU through a liquid crystal driving circuit 85 and a keyboard 33.

The server control CPU 81 executes a variety of processes, based on input signals supplied from the respective stations 4 and data or program stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Thereby, the serve control CPU 81 transmits a command signal to the stations 4 based on execution results of the processes to initiatively control the respective stations 4, thereby progressing a game. Further, the sever control CPU 81 drives a drive motor that rotates a rotation device provided to each roulette unit 3, thereby rotating the wheel 22. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 as the win number determining unit 110 controls the win determining device 86, thereby determining a win number based on a dropped position of the ball. Then, based on the win number obtained and the bet information transmitted from the respective stations 4, the server control CPU 81 as the bet determining unit 111 determines a win of the chips bet. In addition, the server control CPU 81 as the payout calculating unit 114 calculates the credit-number to be paid out in each of the stations 4.

The ROM 82 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 82 stores a program (for example, a program for executing a game execution process that will be described later, a program for executing a display number determining process) for implementing basic functions of the gaming machine 1, a payout odds table that determines a payout rate (payout-number of credits for a win per one chip) for a game shown in FIG. 9, a display number lottery table shown in FIG. 12, a program for initiatively controlling the respective stations 4, and the like. In the mean time, the ROM 82 is equivalent to the odds memory 115 shown in FIG. 2.

The RAM 83 temporarily stores the bet information of chips to be supplied from the respective stations 4, a win number of the roulette unit 3 determined by a sensor, data relating to a result of a process that is executed by the server control CPU 81, and the like. In the mean time, the RAM 83 is equivalent to the memory 107 that stores a bet area and a game value, which is shown in FIG. 2.

Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with a timer 84 that measures time. The time information of the timer 84 is transmitted to the server control CPU 81. The server control CPU 81 rotates the wheel 22, based on the time information of the timer 84.

In addition, the server control CPU 81 is associated with the electric light indicator 5. The server control CPU 81 controls light emission of a light emitting means such as LED to perform an effect by an electric spectacular and to display predetermined letters or time information of the timer 84 on the electric light indicator 5.

In addition, the ROM 82 is provided with a memory area corresponding to payout odds relating to a roulette game using the BET screen 50. The memory area stores data of a bet type or payout odds in a form of a payout management table. The payout management table will be specifically described later.

Furthermore, the RAM 83 is provided with a bet information memory area in which the bet information of a player who is playing a game is stored. The bet information memory area stores data of bet information or participation object in a form of a station management table. The station management table will be specifically described later. Further, the RAM 83 is provided with a win number memory area in which a win number of the roulette unit 3 determined by the win determining device 86 is stored. Meanwhile, the bet information is information of a bet that is made using the station 4, such as a bet area indicated on the BET screen 80, the number of chips bet (bet-number), a bet-type and the like.

(Electrical Structure: Station 4)

In the followings, a structure of a control system of the station 4 will be described. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control system of the station according to an embodiment. In the mean time, the twelve stations 4 have a same structure, so that one station 4 will be described as an example.

The station 4 includes a station control unit 90 and several peripheral devices. The station control unit 90 includes a station control CPU 91, a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 92 stores a program for implementing basic functions of the station 4, various programs (for example, a program for executing a game execution process that is performed in the station) necessary for controlling the station 4, a data table and the like. In addition, the RAM 93 is a memory that temporarily stores various data calculated in the station control CPU 91, the number of credits that are currently possessed by a player (i.e., stored in the station 4), a bet situation of chips by a player, and the like.

In addition, the station control CPU 91 is associated with the participation button 68, the end button 69 and the release button 70, which are equipped in the control unit 7. Based on operation signals outputted as the respective buttons are pushed, the station control CPU 91 performs a control so as to execute the corresponding operations. To be more specific, based on an input signal that is inputted from the control unit 7 as an operation of a player is received and the data or program stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, the station control CPU executes a variety of processes and transmits the results thereof to the server control CPU 81. In the mean time, the station control CPU 91 receives a command signal from the server control CPU 81, controls the peripheral devices constituting the station 4 and progresses a game in the station 4. In addition, the station control CPU 91 executes a variety of processes, based on an input signal that is inputted from the control unit 7 as an operation of a player is received and the data or program stored in the ROM 92 and the RAM 93, depending on contents of process, controls the peripheral devices constituting the station 4 based on the process results and progresses a game in the station 4.

In addition, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a hopper 94. The hopper 94 pays out the predetermined number of medals from the medal payout slot 9 in accordance with a command signal from the station control CPU 91. Furthermore, the station control CPU 91 is connected with an image display device 8 through a liquid crystal driving circuit 95. The liquid crystal driving circuit 95 includes a program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP (video display processor), a video RAM and the like. The program ROM stores an image control program for display on the image display device 8, a variety of selection tables and the like.

In addition, the image ROM stores dot data for forming an image to be displayed on the image display device 8, for example. The image control CPU determines an image to be displayed on the image display device 8 from the dot data previously stored in the image ROM, in accordance with an image control program previously stored in the program ROM, based on parameters set in the station control PCU 91. In addition, the work RAM includes a temporary memory means used when the image control program is executed in the image control CPU. In addition, the VDP forms an image relating to contents of display determined in the image control CPU and outputs the image on the image display device 8. In the mean time, the video RAM is structured as a temporary memory means used when an image is formed in the VDP. The image display device 8 is equivalent to a display 117 (refer to FIG. 2) that displays a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number to be displayed in a game execution process that is performed in the station.

In addition, a touch panel 56 is attached on a front of the image display device 8. Operation information of the touch panel 56 is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. On the touch panel 56, a player makes a bet operation with chips on the BET screen 50. To be more specific, a player operates the touch panel 56 with regard to a selection of the respective bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 in the table-type betting board 51, an operation of unit BET buttons 52A, 52B, 52C, 52D, an operation of the BET decision button 47, an operation of the cashout button 48, an operation of the help button 49 and the like, and the operation information is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Based on the information, the current bet information of a player (a bet area indicated on the BET screen 50 and the number of chips bet) is stored in the RAM 93 at all times. Furthermore, the bet information is transmitted to the server control CPU 81 and is stored in the bet information memory area of the RAM 83.

Furthermore, a sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are connected to the station control CPU 91. The speaker 10 generates a variety of effect sounds when performing various effects, based on an output signal from the sound output circuit 96.

In addition, a medal sensor 97 is associated with the station control CPU 91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from the medal insertion slot 6, calculates the inserted medals and transmits a result thereof to the station control CPU 91. The station control CPU 91 increases the credit-number possessed by a player, which is stored in the RAM 93, based on the transmitted signal. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, the station control CPU enables the credit-number indicator 54 on the BET screen 50 to display a credit-number.

In addition, a WIN lamp 11 is associated with the station control CPU 91. When the chip bet on the BET screen 61 wins, the station control CPU 91 turns on the WIN lamp 11 in a predetermined color.

(Data Table: Payout Odds Table)

In the followings, a payout odds corresponding to a bet-type shown in FIG. 8 will be described. The payout odds table that determines a payout odds corresponding to a bet-type is stored in the ROM 82 of the server 13. The payout odds corresponding to a bet-type has a column of bet-types and a column of payout odds. The data showing bet-types such as “Small Bet”, “Specific Double”, “Specific Triple” and the like are stored in the column of bet-types. The bet-types will be specifically described. The data showing the payout rates such as “1:1”, “10:1”, “180:1” and the like are stored in the column of payout odds, correspondingly to the bet types. Thereby, when a bet is made in a bet type of “Specific Double”, 10 pieces will be paid out per 1 piece bet. The payout odds for each bet-type are set as values based on a probability that a ball 27 will roll on the wheel 22 and will be received in the numbered pocket 23, as shown in the payout odds table of FIG. 9. In the mean time, the “payout odds” is a payout-number of credits for a win. In addition, a “win” means that a winning is made.

(Data Table: Display Number Lottery Table)

In the followings, a display number lottery table shown in FIG. 12 will be described. The display number lottery table is stored in the ROM 82 of the server 13. The display number lottery table showing a display number determination probability corresponding to the display numbers of “1” to “6”, which are displayed on the respective numbered display plates 25 and represented as the pips of a dice, has a column of display numbers and a column of display number determination probabilities. The column of display numbers stores data indicating the numbers of “1” to “6” represented as the pips of a dice. The column of display number determination probabilities stores data indicating a probability of “1/6”, correspondingly to the display numbers. Thereby, when a display number determining process, which will be described later, is executed, one display number of “1” to “6” is extracted and determined in a probability of 1/6, based on the display number lottery table, so as to display it on each numbered display plate 25, and the determined display number can be displayed on the numbered display plate 25.

(Data Table: Station Management Table)

In the followings, a station management (not shown) will be described. The station management table is stored in the RAM 83 of the server 13. The station management table has a column of stations, a column of bet information having a column of bet types and a column of bet-numbers and a column of participation objects. The column of stations stores the machine number data inherent to each station 4. The column of bet types stores the data of the bet types. The column of bet-numbers stores the number of pieces bet such as “20.” The column of participation objects stores the data showing whether a participation object has a possibility that a payout will be awarded thereto. In the mean time, the “1” in the column of participation objects shows that it is set as a participation object and “0” shows that it is not set as a participation object.

(Display State of the Image Display Device 8)

First, the BET screen 50 that is displayed on the image display device 80 will be described with reference to FIG. 6. In the table-type betting board 51 that displays a variety of bet areas to be displayed on the BET screen 50, designs of dices showing “1” to “6” corresponding to the pips of a dice displayed on the numbered display plates 25, a combination of the designs of the dices, a summed number of the pips of the dice displayed on the numbered display plates 25 are arranged. In the mean time, each bet area is equivalent to the bet area unit 104 shown in FIG. 2.

In addition, on a lower part of the BET screen 50 are displayed a BET decision button 47, unit BET buttons (1 BET button 52A, 5 BET button 52B, 10 BET button 52C, 50 BET button 52D), a cashout result indicator 53, a credit-number indicator 54, a BET timer count 55, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49.

The unit BET buttons are provided for a player to select the number of chips to be bet on bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 (above a combination of the designs of the dice and a summed number of the pips of the dice displayed on the numbered display plates 25) in the table-type betting board 51, indicated by the player. The unit BET buttons include a 1 BET button 52A, a 5 BET button 52B, a 10 BET button 52C and a 50 BET button 52D. A player first pushes the screen with a finger, thereby indicating a bet area, on which a bet is made, with a cursor 65. At this state, when the player pushes the 1 BET button 52A, the player bets a chip in a unit of one piece (whenever the 1 BET button 52A is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “1”•“2”•“3” . . . ). In addition, when the player pushes the 5 BET button 52B, the player bets chips in a unit of five pieces (whenever the 5 BET button 52B is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “5”•“10”•“15” . . . ). In addition, when the player pushes the 10 BET button 52C, the player bets chips in a unit of ten pieces (whenever the 10 BET button 52C is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “10”•“20”•“30” . . . ). Furthermore, In addition, when the player pushes the 50 BET button 52D, the player can bet chips in a unit of 50 pieces (whenever the 50 BET button 52D is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of “50”•“100”•“150” . . . ). Accordingly, even when many chips are bet, an operation thereof can be simplified.

In addition, the cashout result indicator 53 displays the number of chips bet by a player in a previous game and the cashout credit-number. Here, the subtraction of the bet-number from the cashout credit-number results in a credit-number that is newly obtained by a player in a previous game.

Furthermore, the credit-number indicator 54 displays the number of credits possessed by a current player. When a chip is bet, the credit-number is decreased in proportional to the bet-number (one credit for one bet). In addition, when a win is determined for the chip bet and the cashout of credits is performed, the credit-number is increased as the cashout-number. In the mean time, when the credit-number possessed by a player is 0, the game is over.

In addition, the BET timer count 55 displays a remaining time for which a player can make a bet. After a bet time is started, a number of the count is gradually decreased. When the number becomes “0”, a time for which a bet can be made in a current game is over. In addition, when the BET timer count 55 reaches a specific number (10, in this embodiment), the rotation shaft provided to the wheel 22 is rotated in a high speed by the rotation device, so that the ball 27 received in the numbered pocket 23 is introduced to the inside of the frame 21 and the cover member 28 from the numbered pocket 23.

In addition, a cursor 65 showing the bet area 72 selected by a player is displayed on the table-type betting board 60. Additionally, a chip mark 66 showing the number of chips that are bet up to now and the bet area is displayed and the number shown on the chip mark 66 indicates the number of chips bet. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the chip mark 66 of “7”, which is put on a combination of “1” and “2” of the dices shown in the cursor 65, indicates that 7 chips are bet on a combination of “1” and “2” as win numbers. Like this, the method of making a bet on a combination of two numbers is a bet-type referred to as a “Pair Match”.

When a player wants to make a general bet in the BET screen 50 structured as described above, the player indicates a bet area 57, 58, 59, 60A, 66B, 61, 62, 63 to be bet on the screen and directly pushes it with a finger. As a result, the cursor 65 is moved to the bet area indicated. Then, when the respective unit buttons (1 BET button 52A, 5 BET button 52B, 10 BET button 52C, 50 BET button 52D) of the unit BET buttons are pushed, the chips as the unit number are bet on the bet area indicated. For example, when the 10 BET button 52C is pushed four times, the 5 BET button 52B is pushed one time and the 1 BET button 52A is pushed three times, 48 chips can be bet.

The BET decision button 47 is a button that is pushed when a bet is decided after a bet operation is made through the image display device 8. Then, a bet is decided. In addition, when a bet is made on the bet area corresponding to the number indicated on the numbered plate 23 into which the ball 3 is received in the roulette unit 3 during a game, a win is determined. When a win is determined, the credits calculated on the basis of the number of chips bet and the payout odds relating to the bet area that wins are added to the credits that are possessed by a player. In the mean time, the bet operation will be specifically described later.

The cashout button 48 is a button that is typically pushed when a game is over. When the cashout button 48 is pushed, the medals (typically, one medal per one credit) relating to the credits, which are acquired through a game and the like and are currently possessed by a player, are cashed out from the medal payout slot 8. The help button 49 is a button that is pushed when an operation method of a game is unclear. When the help button 49 is pushed, a help screen that displays a variety of information on the image display device 8 is immediately displayed.

(Bet-Type and Payout Odds Corresponding to the Bet-Type)

In the followings, the bet-type and the payout odds corresponding to the bet-type will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 9. As shown in FIG. 6, the chip mark 66 of “7”, which is put on a grid of a combination of “1” and “2” of a dice, indicates that 7 chips are bet on a combination of “1” and “2” as win numbers. Like this, the method of making a bet on a combination of two numbers displayed in the bet area 58 is a bet-type referred to as a “Pair Match”. Regarding this, the payout odds is 5:1, as shown in FIG. 9. For example, for a case where a bet is made on a “Pair Match” of “3 and 5”, when three balls 27 roll on the wheel 22 and at least two balls become 3 and 5, a win is determined. When the win numbers become 4, 3 and 5, five times of the chips bet are paid out. For the “Pair Match”, a victory prize is paid out only for one combination. In other words, when the win numbers become 3, 5 and 5, a victory prize is paid out for one combination. To the contrary, for a case where a bet is made on two or more “pair matches”, when a win number is determined for the corresponding bet, a victory prize is paid out for each of the combinations.

In addition, there is a “Numbers Bet” in which a bet is made on one number displayed on the bet area 57. In this bet-type, the payout odds is changed depending on how many the win numbers bet conform to the three win numbers. When one of the three win numbers conforms to, the payout odds is 1:1, as shown in FIG. 9. When two of the three win numbers conform to, the payout odds is 2:1. When all conform to, the payout odds is 10:1. For example, for a case where a bet is made on the number of 4, when only one of the three win numbers is 4, the chip bet on the number of 4 is paid out in a ratio of 1:1. In addition, when two of the three win numbers are 4, the chip bet on the number of 4 is paid out in a ratio of 2:1. In addition, when all the three win numbers are 4, the chip bet on the number of 4 is paid out in a ratio of 10:1.

In addition, there is a “Specific Total” in which a bet is made on a summed number of the three win numbers displayed on the bet area 59. In this bet-type, when a sum of the three win numbers is 3 or 18, it means a defeat. The two numbers have no bet area on the table. The respective results show different payout odds, as shown in FIG. 9. For example, for 4 or 17, the payout odds is 60:1. For 5 or 16, the payout odds is 30:1. For 6 or 16, the payout odds is 18:1. For 7 or 14, the payout odds is 12:1. For 8 or 13, the payout odds is 8:1. For 9 or 12, the payout odds is 7:1. For 10 or 11, the payout odds is 6:1.

In addition, there is a “Specific Double” in which a bet is made on two same win numbers of three win numbers displayed on the bet area 61. In this bet-type, the payout odds is 10:1, as shown in FIG. 9. In addition, when all of the three win numbers are same and a player bets on the win number, it is also considered as a “specific double”.

In addition, there is a “Specific Triple” in which a bet is made on three same win numbers displayed on the bet area 62. In this bet-type, the payout odds is 180:1, which is a high payout, as shown in FIG. 8.

In addition, there is an “Any Triple” in which a bet is made on three same win numbers displayed on the bet area 63. In this bet-type, the payout odds is 30:1, as shown in FIG. 8.

In addition, there is a “Small Bet” (bet area 60A) and a “Big Bet” (bet area 60B) in which a bet is made on a range of a summed number of three win numbers displayed on the bet areas 60A, 60B. In this bet-type, the payout odds is always 1:1, as shown in FIG. 9. In the “Big Bet”, a bet is made on a sum 11 to 17 of the win numbers, and in the “Small Bet”, a bet is made on a sum 4 to 10 of the win numbers. When a combination of the win numbers is “Any Triple” for a bet of “Big Bet” or “Small Bet”, a defeat is made without a payout.

(Process Operations)

In the followings, an operation will be described, based on a game execution process program that is performed in the server by the server control CPU 81 and a game execution process program that is performed in the station by the station control CPU 91, in the gaming machine 1. In the mean time, each program shown in flow charts of FIGS. 10, 11 and 13 is stored in the ROM 82 or RAM 83 provided to the server 13, or the ROM 92 or RAM 83 provided to the station 4, and is executed by the server control CPU 81 or station control CPU 91.

(Operation 1 of a Control System of the Server: Game Execution Process)

In the followings, a game execution process that is performed in the gaming machine 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a game execution process program of the gaming machine 1. In the mean time, it is assumed that a same process is executed in the three roulette units 3.

As the participation button 69 of any station 4 is pushed, a game execution process is executed in the gaming machine 1 and a bet time for which a player can make a bet on the bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 is started (A1). When a bet time is started, a number is decreased, as time goes by, in the electric light indicator 5 and the BET timer count 55 indicating the remaining time for which a player can make a bet. A player who takes part in a game can bet a chip on the bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 that the player expects, until the number in the electric light indicator 5 and the BET timer count 55 becomes “0” (refer to FIG. 6).

Then, it is determined whether a predetermined time has elapsed (A2), after the bet time is started (A1). When it is determined that a predetermined time has not elapsed (A2, NO), the step of A2 is repeated until a predetermined time has elapsed. In the mean time, when a predetermined time has elapsed (A2, YES), a wheel rotating process is executed (A3). In other words, the rotation shaft provided to the wheel 22 is rotated in a high speed by the rotation device, so that the ball 27 received in the numbered pocket 23 is introduced to the inside of the frame 21 and the cover member 28 from the numbered pocket 23.

Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over (A4) Here, the bet time is displayed by the electric light indicator 5 and the BET timer count 55, and the number thereof is decreased as time goes by, after the bet time is started (A1). When the bet time becomes “0”, the bet time in the current game is over. In the mean time, the bet time is set in such a manner that the bet time is over while the ball 27 is introduced in the three roulette units 3 in the step of A3 and is rolled along the frame 21 that is bonded to the cover member 28 without a step.

Here, before the bet time is over (A4, NO), the bet is continuously received until the bet time is over. In the mean time, when the bet time is over (A4, YES), a bet end signal is outputted to the station control units 90 of all the stations 4, an image notifying that the bet time is over is displayed on the image display devices 8 of the stations 4 and a bet operation on the touch panel 56 is prohibited. After outputting the bet end signal to all the stations 4, the server control CPU 81 determines whether the bet information (the bet area indicated and the number of chips bet on the bet area indicated) of the player is received (A5) When the bet information is not received, the step of A5 is repeated and a wait state is made (A5, NO). In the mean time, when the bet information is received (A5, YES), a bet information receiving process is performed which stores the received bet information into the RAM 83 (A6). Here, when a bet is not made on a bet area in the station 4, the information showing that a bet area is not indicated and the information showing that the number of chips bet is “0” are received, as the bet information.

Then, a display number determining process that will be described later is executed (A7). This is a process of displaying one of “1” to “6” on the numbered display plates 25 with a design showing the numbers of the pips of a dice, by a lottery. Thereby, the numbered pockets 23 display the design showing the pips of a dice, which indicates one of “1” to “6” of the numbered display plates 25.

The ball 27, which is introduced in each roulette unit 3 in the step of A3, rolls on the wheel 22 along the frame 21 that is bonded to the cover member 28 without a step. Then, when the centrifugal force is decreased as the rotation speed of the balls 27 is lowered, the balls 27 are rolled down along the inclined surface of the frame 21, are moved to the inside and reach the wheel 22 being rotated. The balls 27 roll along the wheel 22, pass over the numbered display plates 25 at the periphery of the wheel 22 being further rotated and then are received in some of the numbered pockets 23. Then, the number (one of “1” to “6”), which is indicated by the design displayed on the numbered display plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27 received therein, is handled as a win number.

Continuously, a win number determining process is executed. In this process, after the balls 27 are received in the numbered pockets 23, the server control CPU 81 drives the win number determining device 86, thereby determining the numbered pockets 23 into which the three balls 27 are received in the three roulette units 3 (A8). The numbers indicated by the numbered display plates 25 of the numbered pockets 23 having the balls received therein are stored, as win numbers, in the RAM 83.

Furthermore, the bet information of each station 4 stored in the step of A6 and the win numbers stored in the step of A8 are read out (A9). Then, based on the bet information and the win numbers, it is determined whether the chips bet in each of the stations 4 win or not (A10). When a win is made (A10, YES), the server control CPU 81 executes each payout calculating process (A11). In the payout calculating process, the win chips are recognized for each station 4, and a sum of payouts of the credits to be paid out to each station 4 is calculated using the payout odds table (refer to FIG. 9) showing the payout odds (credit-number to be paid out per one chip) for each bet area 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 stored in the ROM 82. In the mean time, when it is determined that the chips bet in each station 4 do not win (A10, NO), the process proceeds to a step of A12.

After that, it is executed a game result transmit process of transmitting to all the stations 4 the payout information of the credits based on the payout calculating process in the step of A11 and the information about a change in the display of the BET screen 50, which is accompanied with the determination of the win number (A12). The credit data corresponding to the payout amount is transmitted from the server 13 to the station control unit 90 of the station 4 for which a win is made. The credit data is added to the RAM 93 of the corresponding station 4.

Here, the ball 27 received in the numbered pocket 23 will be again introduced on the wheel 22 in a game after next. Then, the process returns to the step of A1 and proceeds to a next game.

According to the above structure, when the ball 27 is received in any one of the numbered pockets 23 having the identification numbers of 1 to 6 displayed thereon on the wheel, it is possible to display a pip image of a dice corresponding to the win number detected by the win determining device 86 on the image display device 8. When any one win number of 1 to 6 detected by the win determining device 86 conforms to the bet area bet on in the station 4, it is possible to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area and the credit placed as a bet. Thereby, a player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game using a dice with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

(Operation 2 of the Control System of the Server: Display Number Determining Process)

In the followings, a display number determining process that is executed during the game execution process of FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIG. 11. In the mean time, FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a display number determining process program in the gaming machine 1.

When the display number determining process of A7 is executed in the above game execution process, the server control CPU 81 reads out the display number lottery table (refer to FIG. 12) stored in the ROM 82 (B1). Then, based on the display number lottery table read out, one display number of “1” to “6” represented by the pips of a dice is extracted and determined in a probability of 1/6 (B2). Meantime, in this embodiment, a probability (display number determination probability) that one display number of “1” to “6” will be displayed on the respective numbered display plates 25 is set as 1/6 for all the numbered display plates. However, the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the probability may be arbitrarily set or randomly changed. The display numbers determined in the step of B2 are displayed on the numbered display plates 25 of the numbered pockets 23 (B3). Thus, the display number determining process is ended.

Thereby, it is possible to randomly display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on the numbered display plates 25. Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is possible to provide a player with a pleasure that the player does not know which identification number will be displayed on the numbered display plates 25

(Operation 1 of the Control System of the Station: Game Execution Process that is Performed in the Station)

A game execution process that is performed in the station 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 13. FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a game execution process program of the station. The program shown in the flow chart is stored in the ROM 92 or RAM 93 provided to the station 4 and is executed by the station control CPU 91.

First, when a player pushes the participation button 68, the station control CPU 91 enables the image display device 8 to display a BET screen 50. Then, a game execution process is executed in the station 4.

When the BET screen 50 is displayed, it is started a bet time for which a player can make a bet on any bet area 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 through the touch panel 56 on the BET screen 50 (C1). When the bet time is started, a number is decreased, as time goes by, on the BET timer count 55 that displays a remaining time for which the player can make a bet. The player who takes part in a game can bet a chip on the bet area 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 that the player expects until the number in the BET timer count 55 becomes “0” (during the bet time) (refer to FIG. 6). In other words, a chip betting process by the BET screen 50 is performed (C2). In the mean time, the chip betting process by the BET screen 50 will be specifically described later.

Continuously, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not (C3). Here, the bet time is displayed on the BET timer count 55, and the number is decreased as time goes by, after the bet time is started (C1). When the number becomes “0”, the bet time in the current game is over. Before the bet time is over (C3, NO), a bet is continuously received until the bet time is over. Meantime, when the bet time is over (C3, YES), a result of the bet information (the “bet area indicated” and the “bet-number indicated”) made in the bet process of C2 is transmitted to the server control CPU 81 of the server 13 (C4). Meanwhile, as described above, the server control CPU 81 of the gaming machine 1 stores the bet information transmitted in the step of C4 in the RAM 83 through the bet information receiving process (refer to A6 of FIG. 10). In addition, the bet information transmitted to the server control CPU 81 is stored in the RAM 93 in the bet process of C2.

After that, in the gaming machine 1, a game is started on the wheel 22, and the win number relating to the drop of the ball 27 is detected by the win number determining device 86. Then, it is determined whether the payout information of the credits based on the payout calculating process in the step of A11 and the information (data of a game result) about a change in the display of the BET screen 50, which is accompanied with the determination of the win number, are received (C5). When they are not received (C5, NO), a reception wait state is made. In the mean time, when they are received (C5, YES), a game result receiving process is executed which stores the data of a game result, which is received, in the RAM 93.

Continuously, based on the game result data received in the step of C5, the pip images of dices corresponding to the three win numbers detected by the win number detection devices of the three roulette units 3 are displayed on the image display device 3 (C7). To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 1, a series of operations that three dices are shot and rolled and the pips corresponding to the win numbers are stopped with facing upward are displayed as images on the image display device 8.

Thereby, it is possible to display a win number as a pip image of a dice, so that it is possible to provide a player with a new effect.

Furthermore, a game result, which is accompanied with the determination of the win number, is displayed on the image display device 8 (C8). To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 1, a win bet area is turned on.

In addition, based on the game result data received in the step of C5, the payout process of credits is carried out and the credits that a player currently possesses are added (C8). Then, the credit-number stored in the credit-number memory area of the RAM 93 is changed, and the cashout result indicator 53 that shows earnings and expenses of a previous game displayed on the image display device 8 and the credit-number indicator 54 that shows the current credit-number are updated. In addition, the a player can know the credit-number that is currently possessed and the like by checking the cashout result indicator 53 and the credit-number indicator 54. After the above processes are over, the game execution process program that is performed in the station 4 is ended.

(Operation 2 of the Control System of the Station: Bet Process)

Continuously, the bet process by the BET screen (refer to FIG. 6) in the step of C2 will be described. Each program that executes the bet process on the BET screen 50 is stored in the ROM 92 or RAM 93 provided to the station 4 and is executed by the station control CPI 91.

First, the BET screen 50 displays the table-type betting board 51 displaying the bet areas 57, 58, 59, 60A, 60B, 61, 62, 63 and a player bets a chip, based on the table-type betting board 51.

A bet-number of chips to be bet is set in the bet area selected. When a player pushes each unit button (1 BET button 52A, 5 BET button 52B, 10 BET button 52C, 50 BET button 52D) of the unit BET buttons, the chips as the unit number are bet on the bet area indicated. On the table-type betting board 51, a chip mark 66 showing the number of chips bet up to now and the bet area is displayed and the bet-number of chips is displayed by the number shown on the chip mark 66 (refer to FIG. 6). In the mean time, the bet information by the process (the “bet area indicated”, the “bet-number indicated”) is stored in the bet information memory area of the RAM 93 at all times.

Then, the station control CPU 91 determines whether the BET decision button 47 is pushed. The BET decision button 47 is a button that is pushed when a series of bet operations are decided.

When the BET decision button 47 is pushed, abet is decided. After the bet is decided, a bet operation cannot be performed until a next game is started. In addition, after the bet is decided, when a bet is made on the bet area corresponding to the number indicated on the numbered display plates 25 corresponding to the numbered pockets 23 having the three balls 27 received therein, in the wheel 22 on which a game is started, a win is made. When a win is made, the credits relating to the number of chips bet are added to the credits that are currently possessed by a player.

When the BET decision button 47 is not pushed, it is continuously determined whether the bet time is over or not. The bet time is displayed by the BET timer count 55 provided at the lower part of the BET screen 50. The BET timer count 55 is a count that displays a remaining time for which a player can make a bet, and the number thereof is gradually decreased after a game is started. When the number becomes “0”, the bet time is over.

When the bet time is not over, i.e., the number of the BET timer count 55 is not “0”, a bet process can be again made. By repeating the corresponding process, a bet process can be performed for several positions of the table-type betting board 51.

In the mean time, when the bet time is over, a bet is decided by the current bet situation. When the bet is decided, the bet process program by the BET screen 50 is ended and the process returns to the main process program of the station 4. In the mean time, when the bet is decided, a bet operation cannot be performed until a next game is started.

According to the above structure, since the gaming machine 1 having the three wheels is used, it is possible to apply the gaming machine of the invention to a game using three dices. In addition, it is possible to randomly display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on the numbered display plates 26. Thereby, when a main game is executed, it is possible to provide a player with a pleasure that the player does not know which identification number will be displayed on the numbered display plates 25. In addition, a player familiar with a roulette game may play a conventional game using a dice with a sense same as the roulette game. In addition, a game arcade may easily enable a player of a roulette game to take part in a game using a dice.

Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to the characteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, the invention is not limited to the embodiment as described above and can be applied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should be construed as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseology used in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate the invention, not to limit it. In addition, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and the like included in the spirit of the invention can be easily derived from the spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly, it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structures thereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided so that an intellectual property office and a general public institution or one skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal or professional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features and essences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly, the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention that should be evaluated by the claims. In addition, it is required to sufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, so as to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.

The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computer or computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have been provided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the invention most effectively. In the specification, the respective steps used to induce one result or blocks having a predetermined processing function should be understood as a process having no self-contradiction. In addition, the electrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in the respective steps or blocks. Although the processes in the respective steps or blocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, number and the like, it should be noted that these have been used for the convenience of descriptions. Further, although the processes in the respective steps or blocks have been often described as an expression common to a human action, the process described in the specification is executed by a variety of devices in principle. In addition, the other structures necessary for the respective steps or blocks are apparent from the above descriptions. 

1. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; at least one ball that rolls on the wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number allotted to one of the numbered pockets having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller that operates: (a1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (a2) to roll the ball on the wheel; (a3) when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets, to display on the display a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win number detection device; and (a4) when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area.
 2. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a plurality of wheels each of which has a plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; a ball that rolls on the wheels and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number allotted to one of the numbered pockets having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller that operates: (b1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (b2) to roll the ball on the wheels; (b3) when the ball is received in any one of the numbered pockets in all of the wheels, to display a plurality of pip images of dices corresponding to win numbers detected by the win number detection device on the display; and (b4) when the win numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet areas and the game value placed as a bet.
 3. The gaming machine according to claim 2, wherein a game to be executed is a Sic Bo that uses the three wheels and has a bet area relating to a combination of the identification numbers allotted to the numbered pockets having the three balls received therein.
 4. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets each of which has a display device that displays the identification numbers; at least one ball that rolls on the wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number displayed on the display device provided to the numbered pocket having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller that operates: (c1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (c2) to randomly determine and display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display device; (c3) to roll the ball on the wheel; (c4) when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets, to display on the display a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by the win number detection device; and (c5) when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area.
 5. A gaming machine that executes a game using identification numbers of 1 to 6, the gaming machine comprising: a plurality of wheels each of which has a plurality of numbered pockets each of which has a display device that displays the identification numbers; a ball that rolls on each wheel and is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets; a win number detection device that detects, as a win number, the identification number displayed on the display device provided to the numbered pocket having received the ball; a terminal device that has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers, and receives a game value placed as a bet on one or more of the bet areas, and awards a payout based on odds defined for the bet areas; a display; and a controller that operates: (d1) to store a bet area bet on and a game value placed as a bet in the terminal device; (d2) to randomly determine and display the identification numbers of 1 to 6 on each display device; (d3) to roll the ball on the wheels; (d4) when the ball is received in any one of the numbered pockets in all of the wheels, to display a plurality of pip images of dices corresponding to win numbers detected by the win number detection device on the display; and (d5) when the win numbers conform to the bet areas bet in the terminal device, to award a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet areas and the game value placed as a bet.
 6. The gaming machine according to claim 5, wherein a game to be executed is a Sic Bo that uses the three wheels and has a bet area relating to a combination of the identification numbers allotted to the numbered pockets having the three balls received therein.
 7. A playing method of a game in which identification numbers of 1 to 6 are used to repeatedly perform a game, the playing method comprising the steps of: storing a bet area bet on bet areas corresponding to the identification numbers and a game value placed as a bet on the bet area; rolling a ball on a wheel having a plurality of numbered pockets to which the identification numbers of 1 to 6 are allotted; when the ball is received in any one of the plurality of numbered pockets, displaying a pip image of a dice corresponding to a win number detected by a win number detection device on a display; and when the win number conforms to the bet area bet on in a terminal device, awarding a payout, based on odds defined for the conforming bet area bet on and the game value placed as a bet on the bet area. 